Match Preview: Wests Tigers vs. Raiders

Share on social media

Wests Tigers will look to bounce back from a disappointing last-start loss to the Panthers when they take on the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium this Sunday.

After starting 2017 an impressive Round 1 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Jason Taylor’s men were left to rue a number of missed opportunities against the Panthers — bombing numerous chances before Penrith ran away comprehensive winners in the end.

Needing to respond this week with an improved performance, it won’t be an easy task for Wests Tigers as they make the trip down to the nation’s capital to face the Raiders — who they conceded 60 points to in Round 8 and 52 points in Round 26 last year.

Touted as premiership contenders pre-season, Ricky Stuart’s side have endured a tough start to season 2017 — going down in Golden Point to the Jonathan Thurston-inspired Cowboys in Round 1 before being rolled at home last week by the defending premiers.

Canberra have been more that competitive in both matches, but in a results driven business, the Raiders will be more than aware of the need to get their first win soon.

In the last 10 years, only five teams have made the finals after starting 0-3.

Canberra will be boosted by the return of captain Jarrod Croker this weekend, both from a leadership capacity but also on the field. His return allows Elliot Whitehead to move back to his position on the right edge, which will no doubt strengthen a side that was heavily targeted by Cronulla last weekend. Clay Priest also returns from suspension to join new recruit David Taylor on the bench, who is in line to make his Club debut.

Wests Tigers will welcome back Tim Grant from illness this weekend, with the prop forward a welcome return for Taylor’s interchange plans. Both he and captain Aaron Woods conceded post-match that Grant’s absence was felt by his team, and against the heaviest forward pack in the league, the former representative forward will be key.

Despite two heavy defeats to the Raiders in 2016, Wests Tigers still hold a good overall record against Canberra — winning six of the last eight games played against the Raiders at GIO Stadium while the hosts have won just five of their last 16 games at home played on a Sunday.